Towering waterfalls or erupting geysers? Technicolour sizzling springs or large granite monoliths? Oh, the choices.
The UNESCO-listed Yellowstone and Yosemite are two of the USA’s most beloved nationwide parks. Whereas each parks boast astounding pure magnificence and a plethora of outside actions, it’s possible you’ll be extra drawn to 1 relying on what you’re hoping to see and do.
We’ve compiled the primary variations between Yellowstone and Yosemite that can assist you resolve which park to go to.
Which park is healthier for landscapes?
Yellowstone is residence to 10,000 thermal options, together with effervescent mud pots, steaming fumaroles and technicolour sizzling springs. Its otherworldly landscapes are the sort that should be seen to be believed. Actually, when early explorer John Colter returned from his Yellowstone expedition in 1807, folks mocked his tales of the park.
One among Yellowstone’s most spectacular options is Previous Trustworthy, an enormous cone geyser that shoots 14,000 litres of sizzling water within the air. This spectacle occurs about 20 instances day by day and might final from two to 5 minutes. Whereas these pure wonders are what most guests come to see, the park’s canyons and forests are simply as fascinating. It’s additionally residence to 290 waterfalls which stream all yr because of the park’s cool temperate local weather.
Yosemite doesn’t have geysers and fumaroles, however it does have spellbinding subalpine surroundings with wide-open meadows, big sequoia redwoods (one of many oldest bushes on earth) and lakes so clear they mirror the encircling peaks. Its glacially carved granite monoliths are a number of the largest on the earth, together with the well-known El Capitan and Half Dome – each of which are a magnet for hikers and climbers from close to and much.
The park additionally boasts North America’s tallest waterfall – Yosemite Falls – which drops 739 metres over three tiers and can instill awe even in probably the most seasoned waterfall chasers, particularly throughout the spring runoff.
The decision
We’re not making an attempt to be diplomatic, however each parks are spectacular in their very own proper. Yellowstone wins in the event you’re eager to see geothermal exercise, whereas Yosemite takes the cake for postcard-perfect peaks and waterfalls.
Which park is healthier for wildlife?
Yellowstone is teeming with wildlife because of its distant location. It’s residence to the most important focus of mammals within the decrease 48 states together with elk, bison, moose, deer, grizzly bears, black bears and bighorn sheep.
Lamar Valley, dubbed the ‘Serengeti of North America’, is a superb place to identify Yellowstone’s critters. You’re nearly assured to see giant herds of bison on the street, bald eagles hovering overhead and bears grazing within the meadows. Should you’re fortunate, it’s possible you’ll spot a wolf. For a greater probability of seeing this elusive animal, you could possibly be part of a wolf tracker for the day.
Learn extra: What to anticipate on a wolf monitoring journey in Yellowstone
Yosemite’s wealthy habitat is residence to a variety of wildlife together with black bears, bighorn sheep, bobcats, mule deer and coyotes. Nevertheless, it’s nowhere close to as numerous as Yellowstone. As a smaller and busier park, animals can be trickier to identify as they retreat from crowds.
That mentioned, hen watchers can be of their component with over 260 hen species because of the park’s excessive elevation. Preserve your eyes peeled for Steller’s jay, sooty grouse, dark-eyed junco, ravens and extra.
The decision
Should you’re a eager wildlife fanatic, you’ll in all probability get pleasure from Yellowstone extra. It’s a bigger park with much less foot site visitors, so that you’ll doubtless encounter a variety of animals in your journey.
Which park is healthier for mountain climbing?
Climbing in Yellowstone is without doubt one of the finest methods to expertise its distinctive geothermal options. There are over 2600 kilometres of trails to discover, and whereas the peaks aren’t as excessive as Yosemite’s, they boast gorgeous vistas over the Rockies. The paths are additionally quieter, so it’s possible you’ll be extra prone to encounter a four-legged creature than a fellow trekker.
Learn extra: 8 of the most effective hikes in Yellowstone Nationwide Park
Yosemite is without doubt one of the USA’s high mountain climbing locations with over 1280 kilometres of trails. Formed by hundreds of thousands of years of glacial exercise, mountain climbing will take you round and up hovering monoliths, by way of open meadows, alongside the banks of pristine lakes and the whole lot in between.
From leisurely strolls to high-country expeditions, Yosemite provides mountain climbing adventures for all. Put your stamina to the take a look at by summiting the enduring Half Dome or El Capitan, stroll across the Mariposa Grove of big sequoias or scent the wildflowers in Yosemite Valley.
The decision
Whereas each parks are a playground for hikers, Yosemite has extra world-renowned trails and spellbinding summits. The one draw back is that it’s often extra crowded, so in the event you favor mountain climbing in solitude, you may favor Yellowstone.
Which park is extra accessible?
The vast majority of Yellowstone is in northwest Wyoming. There are 5 entrances, all of that are tremendous unfold out, so planning is vital. There’s no public transport to or throughout the park, so you have to drive or be part of a tour. Should you’re travelling from additional afield, the closest airports are West Yellowstone (west entrance – summer time solely), Jackson Gap (south entrance), Bozeman (north and west entrance), and Montana Logan (northeast and east entrance).
Most of Yellowstone’s customer centres and main points of interest are wheelchair accessible, together with sections of the Grand Canyon, Mammoth Springs and Previous Trustworthy. Campgrounds even have no less than one wheelchair-accessible campsite (excluding Slough Creek, Tower Fall, Fishing Bridge and Pebble Creek).
Yosemite is within the coronary heart of the Sierra Nevada Vary in California. Most guests drive to the park, however there are public buses from main cities in California. Amtrak additionally gives a mixture of prepare and bus providers to Yosemite Valley. As soon as within the park, you possibly can take the free Yosemite Valley shuttle round Yosemite Valley. It’s well-connected with main airports, with the closest being Merced (2 hours), Fresno and Mammoth-Yosemite (2.5 hours), Oakland (3 hours) and San Francisco (4 hours).
Yosemite has wheelchair-accessible lodges, campsites and customer centres. It has greater than 19 kilometres of paved trails alongside the Decrease Yosemite Falls space the place you possibly can see the primary points of interest.
The decision
Many areas of Yellowstone and Yosemite are accessible for travellers with disabilities with accessible trails, amenities and wheelchair-friendly lodging. The Nationwide Park Service (NPS) additionally provides an Interagency Entry Go which gives free lifetime entry to US nationwide parks to people who find themselves blind or have everlasting disabilities.
Go to the official NPS app for up-to-date accessibility data for amenities and trails.
Should you’re on a finances or pushed for time, Yosemite could also be a greater choice as there a couple of public transport choices.
So, which nationwide park is finest for you?
When you have restricted time and need big peaks and jaw-dropping views, Yosemite could also be up your alley. Should you’re in search of wildlife and wilderness adventures, Yellowstone received’t disappoint. No matter which park you go to, the chances for journey are limitless.
Uncover Yosemite or Yellowstone on a small group journey with Intrepid
